The Supreme Court of India got its own flag on September 1. The flag was unveiled at the two-day National Conference of the District Judiciary held on 31st August and 1st September, 2024. The conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at Bharat Mandapam.
PM Modi released a Coin and Postage Stamp to commemorate 75 years of the establishment of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was also present at the occasion with several other dignitaries.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the navy blue coloured flag that features the Ashoka Chakra, the building of the Supreme Court, and the Constitution of India. The insignia on the flag has ‘Supreme Court of India’ and ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ inscribed on it. This new flag and the insignia, was conceptualised by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi.
Here’s what the historical significance and symbolism behind the new Supreme Court Flag:
What Does ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ Mean?
The phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” has been inscribed in the Devanagari script on the Supreme Court flag. This is a Sanskrit expression that translates to “Where there is Dharma, there is victory.” The phrase has been quoted in the Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’ several times.
Dharma in Indian history has been interpreted to mean more than just religion. Infact, it is used to define laws, principles of justice and duty in several ancient Indian texts. For instance, the ancient Indian Sanskrit texts that provide guidance on law, conduct, morality, and religious duty are called ‘Dharmashastra.’
So, in the current context, the meaning can be interpreted as, where there is rule of law, there is victory. ‘Rule of Law’ is an important pillar of Indian democracy. While drafting the Indian Constitution, the framers borrowed the concept of rule of law from England.
Understanding Rule Of Law
British constitutional theorist Albert Venn Dicey had articulated the principle of ‘rule of law’ in his book “The Law of the Constitution” in 1885. The concept basically means that law is supreme and applies equally to all. This means that what is written in the Constitution is the law of the land and it applies to everyone equally. The legislature, administratives and judiciary are expected to act in line with the law. This means that no one can act arbitrarily where there is rule of law.
Independent judiciary is the most important condition for ‘Rule of Law’ to prevail. In India, the Supreme Court is seen as the protector and guardian of the Indian Constitution. Any act of Legislature or Executive that might be in violation of the Constitution, falls under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, i.e. aggrieved person or party can directly approach the Supreme Court.
On the flag, the Supreme Court building is placed upon the Indian Constitution. It portrays the crucial role of the apex court in delivering justice in line with the Indian Constitution.
The Ashok Chakra
The Ashok Chakra on the Supreme Court flag has been borrowed from India’s national flag as it has historically been interpreted as the “Wheel of Dharma.” It was Dr B.R. Ambedkar had suggested that the Ashok Chakra should replace the Charkha (spinning wheel) on the Indian National Flag. It is pertinent to note here that the colour of the flag is also borrowed from Ashok Chakra’s blue colour. Unlinke the tri-colour national flag, the apex court’s colour is just blue, the colour of wheel of law in the national flag.
The Chakra was included in honour of the warrior-turned-peacemaker Buddhist emperor Ashoka. It was modelled after the ‘wheel of dharma,’ a religious motif from Hinduism, Jainism, and especially Buddhism.
In Buddhism, the Buddha is believed to have set the “wheel of dharma” in motion when he delivered his first sermon. This “turning of the wheel of law” is symbolic of great and revolutionary change with universal consequences, brought about by Budhha after gaining enlightenment. Just like in Mahabharata, in Buddhist text also, the word ‘Dharma’ is used to describe the law, morals and way of living.
Later, the makers of the flag also attributed a meaning to each spoke in the Ashok Chakra— each represented a value that India would use to progress in the world. These included values like chastity, morality, peace, sacrifice, justice, welfare, service, forgiveness, duties and rights.
So, the image of Ashok Chakra, the Supreme Court building, the Indian Constitution, and the phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” can be interpreted to emphasise the role of the top court as the guardian of the Indian Constitution.